Tourist information and destination rating

Praiano is a seaside resort on the western coast of Italy . It is situated in the central part of the country, on the south of the Sorrento Peninsula (Península Sorrentina) in the Campania Region. In 2011, the town had about 2,000 inhabitants. Praiano and other resorts in the region are the most popular seaside resorts in Italy . The most renowned resorts in the area are Salerno , Sorrento , Amalfi , Massa Lubrense and Positano . One of the centers of Italy , Naples is about 35 km north.

Little bit of history

There are no records of when Praiano was founded. We only know that there was a calm fishing village in the Middle Ages. Later on, Praiano was repeatedly attacked by the Saracens and local people had to flee into the mountains, where they built many fortified objects. Today, agriculture and fishing were partly replaced by tourist industry and services. Praiano has preserved a lot from its calm and relaxed medieval atmosphere. When looking at the sunset over the typical red-roofed Italian white houses, you feel as if you have travelled centuries back in time.

Monuments

The most interesting monument in Praiano is the tower Torre di Grado. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century in order to protect the coast from Saracen ships. It towers on a rocky promontory 100 meters above the sea. You can get down to the coast to a pleasant beach by a steep stairway. Other monuments in Praiano have religious character. The most monumental church is the St Januarius Basilica from 1589 with an intriguing tiled cupola. There are three other churches in Praiano. The St John Church (San Giovanni) that reminds the old medieval times and the St Luke the Evangelist Church (San Luca evangelista) were built on the turn of the 11th and 12th century. You should not miss the third church consecrated to the Virgin Mary that boasts magnificent frescos. It is situated in the hills above the city, at the altitude of 364 meters. There is a beautiful view of the whole Praiano and the sea.

Sea, beaches, swimming

Praiano boasts clear Azure sea. The coast is rocky and the cliffs steeply fall into the water at some places. The beaches in the many bays and promontories are gravel or stony. They will be appreciated by the ones who enjoy wilderness. Praiano is also convenient for families with children. There are several beaches with fine gravel and even sand. The most popular of them is the sandy beach Marina di Praia, protected from the high waves by rocky cliffs. On the other side, one of the wildest beaches is Gavitella, above which towers yet another monument from the Saracen era- the ruin of the tower Torre di Gavitella.

Nature and surroundings

Praiano and its surroundings boast beautiful nature just like the rest of the Sorrento Peninsula. The picturesque atmosphere is enhanced by high hills that offer stunning panoramas. All of this is within a spitting distance from the metropolis of south Italy , Naples , the historical city of Pompeii and the majestic volcano Vesuvius. Not even the numerous hotels can spoil the beauty of the city and its surroundings. Praiano is also ideal for taking trips in the area as it lies in the middle of the peninsula. West of the resort Massa Lubrense , there is the protected nature reserve at the cape Punta Campanella with archaeological findings from antiquity. You will definitely enjoy the coast surrounding the village Amalfi , which is often considered the most beautiful one in Italy .

Transport, useful information

Praiano is quite secluded compared to other resorts in Italy - that is why the town is known for its calm atmosphere. The best way to travel there is by your own car. From Naples continue south on motorway A3 to Salerno , where you will exit the motorway and follow the narrow coastal road (SS163) in the west direction about 25 km. There is no railway in Praiano. The nearest railway station is in Salerno in the east or in Sorrento north of the resort. The nearest airport is in Naples (NAP) , about 50 km north.

Pros

near the seapeaceful localityseaside staysnear large townsforestsmild climate